Happy National Ice Cream Day!
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Roll up your sleeves and grab your cones because today is National Ice Cream Day! We've put together our top wooden ice cream sets that will 'melt' any sweet tooths heart.
The Full Scoop
National Ice Cream day is celebrated on the third Sunday of July. It was created by US President Ronald Reagan in 1984 after he declared July as National Ice Cream Month. Pretty 'cool', right?!
Who Invented Ice Cream?
Ice cream's origins trace back to ancient China, between 618 and 97 AD, where King Tang of Shang is said to have enjoyed a frozen treat made from buffalo milk, flour, and camphor.
The Romans, too, enjoyed early forms of ice cream, sending slaves to gather snow from the mountains, which was then flavored and served.
Marco Polo is most often credited with inventing ice cream, it is believed he watched ice creams being made during his travels in China and introduced them to Italy.
The invention of the ice cream sundae is tied to a clever workaround. In some areas of the United States, it was once illegal to sell ice cream sodas on Sundays. To get around this restriction, traders substituted the soda with syrup, creating the beloved ice cream sundae.
We can claim the invention of the McDonald's McFlurry here in Canada, the soft ice cream treat originating in Bathurst, New Brunswick in 1995.
Ice Cream Toys
Wooden Ice Lollies
Keep cool with our delightful ice lollies - popsicles for us on this side of the pond! They'll stay solid even if left in the sun all day! These six sweet frozen treats are perfect for storing in a pretend freezer or selling in your play shop or ice cream cart. Crafted from high-quality wood, this vibrant wooden play food is built to withstand years of play and imaginative adventures!
Ice Cream Cart
The highlight of summer is undoubtedly our Ice Cream Cart! Wheel this impressive wooden toy cart across the playroom for endless sweet fun. Our Ice Cream Cart Toy includes six ice creams, two ice cream pots with spoons, and an ice cream scoop. It's a fantastic way to enhance your little one's social skills and vocabulary as they play at selling and serving ice cream!
Sweet Treats Wooden Play Food
Host a delightful afternoon summer tea with our delicious Sweet Treats Set. Guests can enjoy macarons, ice cream cones, and popsicles. The circular wooden stand is perfect for serving and displaying in pretend play shops. Designed to inspire and educate, this play food is sure to spark hours of imaginative conversation.
Easy Ice Cream Recipes For Kids
To really get in the spirit try out our favourite easy ice cream recipes with your little chefs!
Coconut Ice Cream
Requiring just three steps, condensed milk is the secret ingredient to making this top-notch no-churn ice cream.
Ingredients
2 cups of whipping cream
⅓ cup toasted coconut
1 can of sweetened condensed milk (Rooster Brand seems to work best)
½ cup of Cream of Coconut (we like Coco Real Gourmet)
Method
Whip cream until fairly stiff.
Fold in the remaining ingredients.
Freeze in a freezer safe container with a lid for a minimum of 2 hours or until firm.
This ice cream is best eaten fresh but will last up to 2 weeks in the freezer!
Fruit Popsicles
Ingredients
¾ cup of yogurt or unsweetened fruit juice/lemonade - yogurt will give your popsicles a creamy texture and flavour
2 ½ cups fruit - this recipe works well with berries, grapes, pineapple, mango, peaches, plums, melon, and apples!
4-6 tbsp honey
¼ tsp pure vanilla extract (this can be omitted if using a vanilla flavoured yogurt)
½ tsp lemon juice (omit if you use lemonade instead of juice)
Method
Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until the mixture is smooth.
Evenly distribute the mixture into popsicle moulds and gently tap the moulds to get rid of any air bubbles or trapped air.
Put a popsicle stick into each mould and place inside the freezer for about 8 hours or overnight.
If you have difficulty getting your popsicles out of the moulds run under hot water for 30 seconds!
Don't forget to share with us over at @bigjigstoysca how you are celebrating #NationalIceCreamDay!